Have you been charged with manslaughter in Fort Worth, Texas? Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers represents people facing serious criminal charges and can protect your rights throughout the legal process. Contact us at 682 777 3336 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Fort Worth manslaughter attorney.
Manslaughter cases are emotionally charged, factually complex, and prosecuted aggressively. The line between a tragic accident and criminal liability is not always as clear as you might think.
Why Choose Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Manslaughter in Fort Worth, TX?
Manslaughter cases require a team of Fort Worth homicide attorneys who have the depth, credentials, and courtroom experience to challenge the prosecution’s case.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, we understand the immense pressure and uncertainty you face during such a critical time. We are dedicated to meticulously dissecting every aspect of the charges, from the initial investigation to the potential trial, ensuring your rights are fiercely protected at every juncture.
Our Fort Worth criminal defense lawyers bring the following qualifications to every case:
- 60 years of combined criminal defense experience with hundreds of clients represented
- Two attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- A team that includes former prosecutors as well as a former magistrate judge, a former federal public defender, and a law professor
When the stakes are this high, the lawyer you choose matters. Call us today to schedule a confidential case evaluation to begin protecting your rights and your future.
Overview of Manslaughter in Texas
Under Texas Penal Code § 19.04, a person commits manslaughter when they recklessly cause the death of another individual. Manslaughter is a form of criminal homicide, but unlike murder, it does not require proof that the defendant intentionally or knowingly caused the death.
The prosecution must instead prove that the defendant acted recklessly and that the conduct caused another person’s death. Our Fort Worth homicide lawyers understand the nuances of these charges and are prepared to defend individuals accused of this offense.
What “Recklessly” Means Under Texas Law
Under Texas Penal Code § 6.03, a person acts recklessly when they are aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk and consciously disregard it. The conduct must represent a gross deviation from the standard of care an ordinary person would exercise under similar circumstances.
Depending on the circumstances, conduct prosecutors might characterize as reckless includes firing a weapon into the air in a populated area, driving at an extreme speed through a residential neighborhood, or handling a firearm in a highly dangerous manner.
Whether particular conduct meets the legal standard depends on the facts and evidence in the case.
What Are the Penalties for Manslaughter in Fort Worth, Texas?
Manslaughter is generally a second-degree felony in Texas. A conviction carries a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
A felony conviction can also affect employment, housing, firearm rights, professional licenses, and other aspects of a person’s life. The specific consequences depend on the circumstances and the person’s criminal history.
Our Fort Worth manslaughter lawyers can help you understand your charges and the potential penalties you may be facing.
When Manslaughter Becomes a First-Degree Felony
Manslaughter can be punished as a first-degree felony if the prosecution proves that the defendant committed the critical-infrastructure offense described in Texas Penal Code § 28.09 and that the defendant’s conduct caused the death.
A first-degree felony carries a sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Manslaughter?
The prosecution must prove every element of manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense strategy may involve challenging the required elements, presenting a statutory justification, or both.
Potential defenses to manslaughter include:
- Challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove the required mental state of recklessness.
- Disputing the causal link between the defendant’s actions and the resulting death.
- Demonstrating that the event was an unavoidable accident rather than gross negligence.
- Highlighting insufficient or unreliable evidence that fails to meet the burden of proof.
- Asserting statutory justifications such as self-defense or the defense of others.
In some instances, Texas law allows the use of force, including deadly force, when the statutory requirements for self-defense or defense of another person are met. This is considered a justification defense.
However, a justification defense generally does not protect a person who recklessly injures or kills an innocent third party while using otherwise justified force.
Every manslaughter charge must be evaluated based on its specific facts. An attorney can review the available evidence and determine which defense arguments may apply.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Worth Help Me?
An experienced legal team can employ various strategies to build a strong defense on your behalf. These tactics are designed to scrutinize the prosecution’s claims and protect your rights.
Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys can:
- Challenge inconsistent witness statements, unreliable forensic evidence, incomplete investigations, or assumptions about what the defendant knew
- Present counter-evidence to disprove allegations
- Offer alternative explanations for incriminating circumstances
- Negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
- Provide compassionate guidance and clear communication to support you through every stage of the legal process.
- Conduct an independent investigation to uncover exculpatory evidence and identify critical flaws in the prosecution’s case.
By carefully examining the details of your case, your attorney can identify these weaknesses and construct a compelling defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation With a Fort Worth Manslaughter Attorney Today
A manslaughter charge does not have to define the rest of your life, but fighting it effectively requires a defense team prepared to investigate the facts, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and take the case to trial when necessary.
If you or someone you care about is facing manslaughter charges in Fort Worth, Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers can provide the legal counsel you need to defend yourself.
Contact us today to schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation with a Fort Worth manslaughter lawyer.
